AC Milan vs Inter Milan will face off in the highly anticipated first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday at the San Siro, the iconic stadium that both the rivals share.

Match Details:

When: Wednesday, May 10
Where: San Siro, Milan
Kickoff: 19:00 GMT

AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Match Preview

Italian giants AC Milan will welcome arch-rivals Inter Milan to San Siro on Wednesday night in what is a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final match-up.

The Serie A giants have a long and storied history in the competition and have won the trophy a combined ten times. The most recent of them came in 2010 when Jose Mourinho led the Nerazzurri to continental glory.

Milan, for their part, have won the competition seven times. But their last trophy came all the way back in 2007 when they defeated Liverpool in Athens. The current Rossoneri side is a pale shadow of the superteam from the early 2000s but will be keen to drive their position home this season.

Both teams are also embroiled in the fight to finish in the top four in Serie A this season. With their participation in next season's competition far from certain, it adds further spice to the semi-final tie.

#RednBlack: turning the darkness of night into the red of passion ❤️🖤#MilanInter #UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/p1FuQ4MRI5

— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 9, 2023

For the first time since 2017, Serie A will have a representative in European football's biggest game this season. But with defending champions Real Madrid or Premier League holders Manchester City awaiting in Istanbul, the path is as difficult as it gets.

With no away goals to decide ties this year, Milan and Inter both can go all out in their own stadium to put on a show for the ages.

Fine-tuning before the big day 🪛 #RednBlack #UCL #MilanInter #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/FqokVjop6Q

— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 9, 2023

It is unlikely to be a friendly affair with no love lost between the two sides. Neither side was expected to make it this far in this year's competition and will aim to make the most of their fortunes.

This will be the first meeting between both teams in the Champions League since their 2004/05 quarter-final draw. The Rossoneri won the tie handily 5-0 on aggregate en route to the final which was played curiously at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul – the venue for this year's showpiece event. Stefano Pioli will hope that his side can repeat history and exorcise the ghosts of the 2005 final in Turkey.

Check out what Simone Inzaghi and @FDimarco said to the press ahead of tomorrow night's #UCL clash 🎙️ 👇 (with subtitles in English) ⚫🔵 #ForzaInter #MilanInter https://t.co/5gCVTCZvlV

— Inter (@Inter_en) May 9, 2023

Both teams have already faced each other thrice this season, with Inter holding the edge. However, this match is a whole different ball game, with the stakes higher than ever before. Milan will be eager to avenge their loss to Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana earlier this year, while Inter will be determined to prove their recent dominance over their rivals. In many ways, this is the biggest Derby della Madonnina in recent memory.

Neither side is expected to adopt a safety-first approach in the first leg and will be expected to have a go at each other from the kick-off whistle.

Team News:

AC Milan:

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli said on Tuesday he would make a late call on Rafael Leao's participation in Wednesday's clash after the Portuguese winger suffered a muscle injury.

🗣 Pioli and @_OlivierGiroud_ discuss the derby emotions

🗣 Le parole del Mister e di Olivier verso l'EuroDerby di domani sera #UCL #MilanInter #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/UfIei2Qz0I

— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 9, 2023

Leao has been one of Milan's most influential players this season with 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, but he lasted only 12 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over Lazio before being taken off.

Pioli told reporters Leao would either start the game or not play at all, adding that Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers was a potential replacement for Wednesday's match at the San Siro.

Inter Milan:

Full-back Robin Gosens is a doubt for Inter Milan after being sidelined lately with a dislocated shoulder. But the 28-year-old said on Instagram on Monday he was "back on track" and fit again "just in time for the big match on Wednesday."

At work with a smile 😃#ForzaInter #MilanInter #UCL pic.twitter.com/MfkJHBJsNm

— Inter (@Inter_en) May 9, 2023

AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Head to Head:

Inter Milan have a good historical record in the Derby della Madonnina and have won 87 out of the 235 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to AC Milan's 79 victories.

AC Milan are unbeaten in their four matches against Inter Milan in European competitions and won the previous such tie between the two teams in 2003 on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate scoreline.

When people ask if you have plans Wednesday night 🙉#ForzaInter #UCL pic.twitter.com/lGwBAAkaRy

— Inter (@Inter_en) May 8, 2023

AC Milan and Inter Milan have already played out three matches in all competitions in the 2022-23 season, with Inter Milan winning the last two games.

After winning the first meeting between the two teams this season 3-2, AC Milan have suffered defeat and failed to score a single goal in their last two matches against Inter Milan.

Predicted Line-ups:

AC Milan Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Krunic, Tonali; Messias, Bennacer, Saelemaekers; Giroud

Inter Milan Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Lukaku

ACM vs IM: Fantasy XI

Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Tonali, Mkhitaryan, Giroud, Martinez, Lukaku

UEFA has assigned an Ethics and disciplinary inspector to the actions of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos after Real Madrid's dramatic win in the penalty shoot-out over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match on March 12.

One of the incidents being examined is a gesture of Antonio Rudiger's cut-throat celebrations towards the Atletico Madrid's fan base. Meanwhile, some video footage is circulating on social media, showing that Mbappe is making a gesture of groin-squeezing during the triumph celebrations. If the investigations lead to charges and a guilty sentence, the players could face disciplinary actions in the form of suspension, fines, or both.

UEFA's Statement:

🚨 UEFA announce they have opened an investigation into celebrations of Rüdiger, Ceballos, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid vs Atlético game at the Metropolitano. pic.twitter.com/Ni4D54i71P

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 27, 2025

A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández, and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.

What would Real Madrid's planning be?

Real Madrid will eagerly await UEFA's final statement, as a ban for Vinicius, Rudiger, Ceballos, and Mbappe could significantly impact their preparations for the tie against Arteta. They will face the Gunners on April 8 in the Emirates Stadium, with the return fixture a week later in Santiago Bernabeu.

Previous Incidents:

An example of similar behavior in the past led to financial fines and suspensions, setting an example that could influence UEFA’s decision on the current case.  Last summer, during Euro 2024, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined 30,000 euros and handed a one-match suspended ban for a groin-squeezing gesture after scoring a late equalizer in England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in the tournament’s Round of 16.

Another example occurred in 2019 when Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone received a 20,000 euro fine for a similar act after his team scored against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.

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Bayern Munich's Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies will miss six months due to a torn ACL, ending his season. The left-back suffered the injury during Canada's 2-1 victory over the United States of America last weekend. As a result, he was replaced after just 12 minutes. Even though the players and coaching staff seemed initially upbeat. It appears that the problem is more serious than previously.

The Club revealed that Davies will now be sidelined for at least six months due to a tear in his right knee's cruciate ligament. This conclusion was made after tests on the issue were conducted in Munich on Wednesday. He is scheduled for surgery, on Wednesday.

Dayot Upamecano will be out for an extended period.

Fight your way back quickly, Upa! 🍀

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/N3r0B3GfcD

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

Bayern Munich, who continue to be in the running for the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season were depressed by the news. The team will also need to address Dayot Upamecano's absence for several weeks due to left knee soreness.  So, Alphonso Davies' news is not the only issue for the Bavarians from the international break.

🚨 Bayern confirm Alphonso Davies has suffered ACL injury and he will be out for 6 months.

Dayot Upamecano will also be sidelined for several weeks with loose joints in his left knee. pic.twitter.com/Iai9gdgs9X

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2025

Alphonso Davies would not participate in the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Vincent Kompany, the head coach of Bayern Munich, is disappointed by the news, as his team is trying for both the German title and the European cup this season.

Alphonso Davies has suffered an ACL tear.

Get well soon, Phonzy! We are all with you! ❤️

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/wGUafP5G8a

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

Alphonso Davies has been a consistent member of the Bayern Munich team, this season. In 30 games across all the competitions, he contributed three goals including two assists. With eight games remaining in the Bundesliga title race, Bayern Munich led Bayer Leverkusen by six points. Next Month, the German giant will play Inter Milan in a crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match.

Sporting Director Max Eberl on the injuries to Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano. 💬

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/lws2CffBFY

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

The Bavarians have been hit with a massive setback as they will miss Alphonso Davies for the remainder season, which means Vincent Kompany will have to play his alternative. Alphonso Davies has been impressive for the Bavarians under Vincent Kompany. His presence was significant for the team in the matches, helping them maintain their lead at the top of the table and keeping their UEFA Champions League aspiring alive.

There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.

In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.

What will be the ranking factors?

• Trophies they conquered
• Recent success
• Longevity in this sport
• Performance compared to expectations

10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:

10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:

Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas. 

Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:

• 4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
• 2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)

9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:

While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.

Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:

• 1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
• 1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
• 4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)

8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:

Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.

The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.

Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
• 1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
• 1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
• 1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)

7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:

One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again. 

The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title. 

Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:

• 2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
• 2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
• 2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
• 2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)

6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:

Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.

 If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.

Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:

• 2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
• 2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
• 3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
• Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:

The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.

 Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.

Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)

4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:

To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.

Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
• 3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
• 2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
• 1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
• -5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach

3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:

After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.

Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.

Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
• 1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)

2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:

As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelotti will leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.

The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.

Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:

• 5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
• 1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
• 1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
• 1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
• 2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)

1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:

Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.

Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.

Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:

• 3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
• 4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
• 3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
• 3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
• 6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• 4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
• 2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
• 2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
• 3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
• 4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
• 3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)

UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are the two pinnacles of European club tournaments, awarding the coveted continental silverware to the top clubs in Europe. 

Borth tournaments are prestigious for clubs competing in these, and hold different merits and various aspects of prizes that come with these silverware. 

However, if you are a fan of a top club that crashed out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, you would definitely be disheartened. But, on the other end, if your club clinches the Europa League, would you celebrate it in the same manner when your club reached the UCL semis?

This may be a tough choice for fans who naturally covet the utmost success for their beloved clubs. But this question may always arise in every football fan's mind, which one is better to choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League?

Sportz Point delves into this interesting discussion through this article.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarterfinals schedule: Everything you need to know

Crashing out of UEFA Champions League Semis: Pros and Cons

Advantages 

Playing in the UEFA Champions League is already competing at the highest level, and reaching the semifinals is a very significant achievement. 

• If a mid-table club in the top five European leagues manages, or a club that belongs to a league other than the lower coefficients in the UEFA European leagues ranking, reaching this level can also provide valuable experience for the team and contribute to their reputation.
• Reaching the semifinals demonstrates a lot about the team. It means they were able to overcome the best clubs in Europe and reach the knockout stage.
• If looked at from a monetary point of view, the UCL semifinalists receive a prize money of €15 million that helps the teams to look forward to their future. The Champions League also draws more marketing or TV ratings.

UEFA prize money distribution (as of 31 Jan):

7⃣3⃣% to UCL clubs (€2.14 billion)
1⃣8⃣% to UEL clubs (€528 million)
9⃣% to UECL clubs (€265 million) pic.twitter.com/anllbpFPQK

— Football Meets Data (@fmeetsdata) January 31, 2025

Disadvantages 

Losing at this stage can be disappointing, especially if the team had induced high hopes of winning the tournament. For example, Ajax in the 2018-19 UCL claimed attention in the best possible way, beating defending champions Real Madrid on the way, but crashed out of the semi-finals.

• If a team loses in the semifinals without winning anything in the domestic league, it will be considered a disastrous trophyless season. Very few people would be impressed by a club simply for reaching the semifinals.
• On the contrary, a semi-final defeat can disrupt a team's momentum, potentially affecting their performance in domestic competitions.
• This also may lead to a massive exodus of players from the club, especially if the club is not an European powerhouse already. The top European players will go after the players who performed well for the team, leading to the dismantling of the core group, making it harder to repeat the feat in the future continental competitions. 

Winning the UEFA Europa League: Pros and Cons

Advantages 

For most of the clubs, winning a silverware is a huge achievement. Winning the Europa League has its own advantages, considering that most of the mid-table or apparently mediocre clubs compete in this tournament.

• Winning the Europa League guarantees a continental silverware, which is always better than a trophy-less season. It also ensures a direct qualification in the next season's Champions League.
• The winners of the Europa League also meet the Champions League winners in a season-end competition, called the UEFA Super Cup, which presents another opportunity to clinch another silverware.
• Winning a major European trophy significantly enhances a club's global status and reputation. This success can attract sponsors, and elite players as well.

Disadvantages 

• The biggest drawback of taking part in the Europa League, particularly of winning it, is the scheduling of midweek games. This may lead to a congested fixture, resulting in fatigue among the players as well as higher injury risks. Consequently, this affects the players' performance within domestic leagues or other tournaments. The Thursday-Sunday format of the Europa League puts more pressure on players than the Tuesday-Wednesday format of the Champions League.
• Although it is a big silverware, the Europa League is usually less prestigious than the Champions League, and therefore makes it less attractive than the clubs competing in the UCL.
• Comparing to the Champions League, the Europa League offers lower prize money. This will be a downer for the clubs that are reliant on their European competition-generated revenue, more so those operating outside the major five European clubs.

The difference in prize money between 108 clubs playing UCL, UEL and UECL visualized. pic.twitter.com/T5IZwmOhsC

— Football Meets Data (@fmeetsdata) December 14, 2024

Conclusion: Which is better?

To be honest, it is subjective and depends on different contexts.

For a world-class team that can contest the Champions League, playing in the Europa League could be a disappointment or a consolation for the team, the management and mostly, for the supporters.

However, if a team has no practical hope of winning the Champions League but can contest the title for the Europa League, it would be preferable to lift the trophy instead of qualifying to the semi-finals.

In conclusion, the Champions League semi-final defeat is an indicator of greater competition and ability, while the Europa League win is a concrete victory. So, we can say that there is no definite 'better' result between these two. 

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 Second Leg has ended, concluding the round with eight teams that have earned their qualification into the Champions League Quarter Finals this season.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarterfinals schedule: Everything you need to know

Paris Saint-Germain stunned Liverpool in the second leg, managing a 1-0 win in the regulation time before knocking the league phase leaders out of the competition following a 4-1 win on penalties.

Barcelona dominated over Benfica, earning a 3-1 victory at home to secure the quarter-final place with a 4-1 aggregate. Bayern Munich also clinched a 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen, advancing to the quarters with a 5-0 cushion across two legs.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid fought till the last minute as Atletico managed a 1-0 win to equalize the tie, but Los Blancos secured a 4-2 victory on penalties to advance to the quarters.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 First Leg Round Up

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 Second Leg Round Up

FC Barcelona 3-1 Benfica (4-1 Agg)

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal led from the front to help FC Barcelona win 3-1 against Benfica in the return leg, accumulating a 4-1 aggregate to progress through to the quarter-finals.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 11th minute, as Otamendi equalized just two minutes later. However, a world-class strike from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha's second goal produced a dominant win for Blaugranas, despite a goalless second half.

Barcelona will take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Barcelona vs Benfica UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg Highlights: Barcelona through to quarter-finals with an easy 4-1 win on aggregate

Inter Milan 2-1 Feyenoord (4-1 Agg)

Inter Milan stamped a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Feyenoord at the San Siro, winning the tie on a 4-1 aggregate to advance to the quarter-finals.

Marcus Thuram netted an early goal in the eighth minute, that was canceled out by Jakub Moder, who equalized from the spot in the 42nd minute. However, Hakan Çalhanoğlu fired the winner with a boastful penalty in the 51st minute.

Inter Milan will go against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Liverpool 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain (1-1 Agg, 1-4 pens)

Arguably, this tie has produced the most gripping and absorbing footballing actions across two legs in the RO16 this season. After a fighting 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Parc de Princes, Liverpool crashed out of the UCL 2024-25 following a 1-4 defeat on penalties.

Ousmane Dembele drew the first blood early in the 12th minute, but almost 110 minutes of football afterwards failed to decide a winner, ending the tie on a 1-1 aggregate.

However, Gianluigi Donnarumma became a wall between PSG's sticks in the penalties, saving two penalties of Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones to hand PSG the advantage in a nail-biting shootout. Desire Doue netted the winning penalty for PSG, taking them to the quarters. 

Les Parisiens will meet Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg | PSG advances, Liverpool crash out after losing on penalties | FT LIV 0-1 PSG (1-1 AGG, 1-4 pens)

Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Bayern Munich (0-5 Agg)

Bayern Munich had another composed victory over Bayer Leverkusen, beating them 2-0 to progress through the next stage with a commendable 5-0 aggregate.

Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies scored in the 52nd and the 71st minute respectively, leading the German side to the UCL 2024-25 quarter-finals.

Read Also | Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 2nd Leg: Bayern secures their spot in the quarter-finals | LEV 0-2 BAY (Agg. BAY 5-0 LEV)

Lille OSC 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (2-3 Agg)

Borussia Dortmund pulled off a sensational comeback against Lille OSC in the second leg, winning 2-1 against the French side to qualify for the quarters with a 3-2 aggregate.

Jonathan David opened the account for Lille only 5 minutes into the game, as the first half ended with Lille leading 2-1 in the tie. However, Emre Can converted the spotkick in the 54th minute to equalize the game, as Maxilmilian Beier netted a sublime curler in the 65th minute to hand Dortmund a comeback victory.

Dortmund will lock horns against FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Lille OSC vs Borussia Dortmund Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg | Dortmund wins a thrilling contest with a second-half comeback; advances to the quarters | FT LIL 1-2 BVB (AGG 2-3)

Aston Villa 3-0 Club Brugge (6-1 Agg)

Aston Villa earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over ten-men Club Brugge in the second leg to enter the quarters with a 6-1 score on aggregate.

After a goalless first half, Marco Asensio scored a brace in the 50th and 61st minute respectively, accompanied by Ian Maatsen who found the back of the net in the 57th minute. 

Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Aston Villa vs Club Brugge UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg Highlights: Villa to face PSG in quarters after a 3-0 win (6-1 agg)

Arsenal 2-2 PSV Eindhoven (9-3 Agg)

After producing a 7-1 crushing in the first leg, Arsenal shared the spoils in a 2-2 stalemate with PSV in the return leg. Despite the draw, Arsenal are through to the quarters with a massive 9-3 win on aggregate.

Oleksandr Zinchenko scored early in the sixth minute of the game. However, Ivan Perisic equalized in the 18th minute for the visiting side. Declan Rice netted a banger in the 37th minute, but PSV pulled off another equalizing goal in the 70th minute as Couhaib Driouech scored in his first UCL start.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw, as Arsenal progressed onto the quarters, where they will go against the defending champions Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (2-2 Agg, 2-4 pens)

The Madrid Derby in the return leg gifted another spectacular game of football. Atletico madrid levelled the tie with a 1-0 win after 120 minutes, but Real Madrid emerged victorious on penalties, winning 4-2 to march onto the quarters.

Atletico midfielder Connor Gallagher scored only 30 seconds after the kickoff, but both teams failed to find the net in the remaining minutes, leading the tie to a 2-2 aggregate.

However, Julian Alvarez's spotkick in the shootout was canceled for an apparent double touch. Atletico fell behind, but Real Madrid's fourth penalty, taken by Lucas Vanquez, was denied by Jan Oblak.

Following that, Marcos Llorente had a chance to pull Atletico back in the game, but he hit the woodwork under pressure. Antonio Rugider netted the winning penalty for Real Madrid. Los Blancos will face Arsneal in the quarters.

Read Also | Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid CF Highlights UEFA Champions League RO16 Second Leg: Real Madrid secures their spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Atletico on the penalties | ATM 1(2)-(4)0 RMA (AGG. RMA 2-2 ATM)